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The moon hung high in the sky, probably around 11 or 12 now. The wind was relentless, blowing in all directions. I cursed as my hair clung to my face, not being able to see except for a few feet in front of me. It was as if it was piercing through my clothes as if it was a thin piece of cloth.
Body uncontrollable shivering, I sunk deeper into my zipped-up hoodie. I do love winter, but nights like these make me think twice.
Schlatt finally let me go at 7, after drilling into me the expectations of thisgreat nation. So I changed out of the suit into my usual brown hoodie from Sap and an earth-coloured sweater. Thinking it would be enough to keep me warm. I guess I misjudged. Good one, strategist.
Everything I wore was from somebody in our kingdom. I don't even think I could call it a kingdom anymore... By now, we have all split into our separate factions or about to. The closeness of our community was like a distant memory now. Like a time nobody talked about because it was something thought to be unimaginable now.
I laughed to myself. God, I miss those days.
I stole most of my clothing from my two brothers, old black cargo pants from Dream and the hoodie from Sapnap. So most of my belongings were second hand. I didn't mind, of course. The only new thing was the boots Schlatt got me. For my uniform, of course, but it was the thought that counted. He raved about these "Tim's", so I think they held something special to him. He is a kind man when he wants to be.
Drawn away from my thoughts, I watched the trees that surrounded me creak and whine. Praying that one wouldn't fall on me. I was surprised that my torch still stayed alight. The flames flickered, joining the shadows in a dance.
I tried lifting my torch, waving it in different directions as if to bring more light. But I barely saw anything. The clouds coverage was one of the thickest for the month, not allowing much moonlight to get through. So I could only make out the dirt path that led me where I wanted to go. Formed after countless tracks through here.
Weaving through the thick forest, creek and snap of a branch echoed. Then, finally, I heard it come from above. I froze in fear, hoping that it would miss me. I braced for impact, just in case, but instead, I was shoved.
Not being prepared, not grounding myself, I flew across the leaf-strewn ground. Finally, after spending a few seconds on the earth, I groaned, flopping onto my back.
"Was that really necessary?" I called out, awaiting a response. But I never got one. I lifted my head from the ground to see who helped me. Instead, I saw what would have hit me. "Oh my god...." I exhaled in a panic, scrambling to get up.
It was massive. Probably as tall as me and as wide as a cow. It would have killed me.
I ran my fingers through my hair, soon reaching to cover my mouth. I've been in near-death experiences, so why am I this shocked?
